Skin conditions (dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis) Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's skin disabilities, including dyshidrotic eczema, tinea pedis, boils, and fungal infections, are not etiologically related to his in-service exposure to chemicals. However, the Board determined that the Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae/furunculosis is etiologically related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's sinusitis is rated at 50 percent since October 29, 2015. The highest schedular rating for sinusitis under Diagnostic Code 6513 has been granted.

The Veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae is rated at 60 percent since September 6, 2012. The criteria for a rating of 60 percent for cardiomegaly have been met from the date of claim until August 11, 2009. As of August 12, 2009, the Veteran's cardiomegaly is rated at 30 percent.

The Veteran's children, J.M. and N.W., were recognized as dependents for purposes of an increase in her compensation award effective June 9, 2010. The appeal is granted with the effective date set at October 7, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected digestive disability, including GERD and dysphagia, is rated at 30 percent. The Board finds a separate rating of 10 percent for esophageal stricture under Diagnostic Code 7203.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or at the housebound rate has been denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the representative withdrew the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a dermatological/skin disorder and finds that it is at least as likely as not related to his active service, including his service in Southwest Asia. The Veteran developed eczematous dermatitis, cystic acne, and neurodermatitis during or shortly after his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed bilateral foot conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of dermatitis is related to his service-connected PTSD, and thus grants service connection for dermatitis of both legs as secondary to PTSD.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current toenail and skin disorders of both feet, as well as his skin disorders affecting both lower legs, were incurred during service. The evidence supports this finding based on the Veteran's combat service in Vietnam where he was exposed to wet conditions and fungal infections.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin disorder, specifically tinea corporis and tinea cruris, did not have its onset during or is etiologically related to his active duty service. The VA examiner opined that the current skin disorder was less likely than not incurred in or caused by service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her right leg varicose veins was denied, and the Board found that she did not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to assess his current condition of coronary artery disease status post stent placement and myocardial infarction, as well as tinea pedis with onychomycosis and callous.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there is no current diagnosis of a sinus disability, blood in stool/polyps/hematochezia/rectal fissures, or left hand dermatitis. The Veteran was granted a noncompensable rating for erectile dysfunction.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied as her conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for jungle rot of the bilateral feet was withdrawn by the Veteran.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen his claim for tinea cruris of the groin, which is now granted. The condition had its onset in service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the evaluations requested, thus dismissing the appeal.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain missing service treatment records and any relevant private medical records. The Veteran's claim for reopening his pustular dermatitis service connection will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for proper disposition of the Veteran's withdrawn DRO hearing request and scheduling of a Central Office hearing.